Hardware and Infrastructure

Several varieties of technology have been made available to Buena Vista University’s population. If you want to know more about their purposes, their diagnostics, and how to better care for your machinery, then you’ve come to the right place. Not only will you learn a little bit about what goes on inside your computer, but you’ll be able to help diagnose and prevent physical computer problems! We also recommend reviewing our laptop and tablet websites every time you need to compare a new program’s requirements to your own system.

As always, you are free to contact 2fix with any additional questions. You can view their contact information on 2fix’s website.

Standard Maintenance

There are everyday activities you can do to help your computer run as intended. Your computer is a complicated and expensive tool. It needs to be routinely cleaned and cared for, much like an automobile. Here are a few tips:

Clean your screen and keyboard every month at the minimum. Make sure to use wipes designed to clean both surfaces without causing abrasions. A compressed air-can will clear out most gunk underneath the keys of the keyboard.

Check to make sure that the laptop’s cooling fan is clear of debris. It’s typically located underneath your computer and is covered by a plastic vent. Compressed air will get rid of accumulated dust and help keep your computer from over-heating.

If you are not going to use your computer for a few hours, turn it off. Not only will it get rid of unnecessary items kept in memory, but it cools the computer down and saves energy.

Make sure to check on your power cord. If it feels hot, unplug it and let it cool off. Your computer’s battery needs to expel energy from time to time, anyway. Cycling between battery power and the power cord helps to preserve both parts. As a rule of thumb, use the power cord when you are going to be stationary for more than two hours.

Software Failures

Sometimes, the cause for hardware failure actually lies with a problem with software. For example, a program can cause a computer to work harder than usual and burn out parts at a faster rate. It can be tricky to detect when this happens, but there are a few things you can do to make sure that your computer is at fault and not just the software.

Always make sure that your computer is capable of running the software you are using. You may see the greatest problem with graphic-intense programs. To make sure that your laptop can run the software properly, go to your computer and click ‘System Properties.’ From there, you can see your computer’s capabilities.

Make sure that you have all the drivers you need, particularly for any item you plug into your computer. Your computer should be able to locate and download any drivers you need the first time you plug something in. If you received any CDs with your new device, be sure to run them to get the drivers needed.

Malware is capable of destroying components in your computer. Always make sure to guard against all forms of malware. Remember—there is not a 100% secure computer!